Aliskiren, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide and Isentress

• Generic Name: aliskiren / amlodipine / hydrochlorothiazide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Amturnide

Aliskiren, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of medicines that may be used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure will reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Aliskiren is a renin inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme in the body that is necessary to produce a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, the blood vessels relax and this decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen that go to the heart is increased.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, amlodipine relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps lower blood pressure.

Aliskiren, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: raltegravir
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated; tablet, chewable; oral granules for suspension
• Other Brand Names: Isentress, Isentress HD

Isentress (raltegravir) belongs to a group of antiretroviral drugs that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Isentress is medication used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Isentress is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Raltegravir is for use in adults and children who weigh at least 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms).